Contributors

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Hey pallies, likes what does Justin Bieber, our Dino, The British Curry Awards, and the Taliban all have in common? Likes they are all part of a very-new-to-the-blogsphere pad tagged "Stupid Kids, Stupid Blog." Just 6 blog posts old, startin' this very month of May, the second post already has begun puttin' the accent on our Dino.

'Though only the briefest of briefest Dino-posts, all you Dino-philes mighta wonder why ilovedinomartin has chosen to feature "Dean Martin info and news"? Well pallies, likes I thinks it is so so cool to see our Dino mixed with the likes of Justin Bieber and The Taliban. And, likes as I read through the posts tryin' to figure out who "Room 2" blogger is, I woulda bet that it is a young teen Brit chick behind the blog...perhaps tagged Emily or Evie...so certainly wanna encourage such Dino-devotion 'mong someone so young.

And, gotta 'fess up that was thrilled to see this probable Deanager usin' the pallie language! Certainly will be lookin' foward to more Dino-reflections from Room 2 in the Dino-future. ilovedinomartin sez our thanks to Dino-lover Room 2 and thanks you for spreadin' some Dino-love 'round your new blog pad. To checks this out in it's original format, just, as usual, clicks on the tag of this Dino-message. Dino-loved, DMP

Friday, 20 May 2011

Dean Martin info and news

Dean Martin

Dean Martin is one of the most famous singers in history with such hits as volare, sway, memories are made of this, that’s amore, aint that a kick in the head and everybody loves somebody.He ran his own 60s variety show that featured guest stars acts songs and performances.He was a talented actor starring in such films as john waynes Rio Bravo and the original oceans eleven with the rat pack the hit group he was in along with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis jr.They did impressions acts sketches and songs.His son died tragically in a plane crash before a rat pack getogether forcing him to be replaced with lizen Minnelli.

Hey pallies check out the other info and don’t forget the upcoming variety show boxset on May 24th 2011.This weeks top song to kick of the blog is of course Everybody loves somebody sometime.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Hey pallies, likes today's Dino-thoughts comes from the pad "EvidentOfficial.com," where blogger "evident" proclaims "I Like To Share Good Music." And likes what music coulda be gooder then our beloved Dino's....none, nadda for Dino-sure.

Evident's Dino-offerin' is that totally totally outstandin' Dino-classic “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You” complete with very cool pix of the Dino-al-b-um cover from "Dean Martin Hits Again" featurin' "You're Nobody" as well as an classic clip from the Dino-show of our Dino singin' his chart-bustin' tune.

Evident obviously "gets Martin" by proclaimin'...."most notably, Dean Martin, who topped the charts with his version of the tune." And continuin' with the Dino-praise..."....Dean Martin’s smooth tenor....."

On this Memorial Day 2011 in the US where we remember and honor our beloved pallies that have gone on before, ilovedinomartin certainly does wanna honor and remember our most most beloved Dino...his life, his times, his legacy of cool...... unparalleled in all of history...and what a great song to honor our great and awesome Dino....'cause truly we're nobody 'til somebody loves us....and all us Dino-holics truly truly loves our Dino...and truly truly our Dino loves each of us devoted pallies!

ilovedinomartin thanks Evident for sharin' this classic of classic Dino-song with his blog readers and helpin' others to learn the Dino-difference. To view this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram. Dino-loved, DMP

“You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You” by Dean Martin

Posted By evident On May 27th 2011.

Originally written by Russ Morgan (of the Russ Morgan’s Orchestra), Larry Stock and James Cavanaugh, the classic “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You” has been covered by a myriad of notable artists including Nat King Cole, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Michael Buble and most notably, Dean Martin, who topped the charts with his version of the tune.

Deservedly placed among jazz classic, “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You” is one of the best songs ever written—with it’s simple yet compelling lyrics and Dean Martin’s smooth tenor, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular tunes of all time.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Hello again Pals o mine! Well friends...I gotta be honest. I wasn't quite sure what song to put up for this week's serenade. I usually think about it all week til' it just comes to me. This week, however, I was just drawin' a blank!

Not knowin' what to do, I started surfin' good ol' youtube. Man, there are so so many great great tunes from our great great man that I was like still totally baffled!!! Thins' weren't lookin' good pals. I decided to just put it on the ol' back burner tonight and pour myself my very own homemade vino.

Then, as I looked down at that beautiful little glass of squished grapes...it came to me! I started thinkin' bout' my dear ol' pop. Every time he would pour himself a glass of wine, he would always always raise his glass and sing that one wonderful line..."Little ol' wine drinker me!"

So here we go friends...a great live performance from the 1988 tour with the newly reunited "Pack". So lets raise a glass to Dino...my Pop, and this vino sippin' classic! Enjoy!

Danny G.

LITTLE OLE WINE DRINKER ME

I'm prayin' for rain in California, So the grapes can grow and they can make more wine, And I'm sittin' in a honky in Chicago, With a broken heart and a woman on my mind.

I matched the man behind the bar for the jukebox, And the music takes me back to Tennessee, When they ask who's the fool in the corner, crying, I say, that little ole wine drinker me.

I came here last week from down in Nashville, 'Cause my baby left for Florida on a train.

I thought I'd get a job and just forget her, But in Chicago a broken heart is still the same.

I matched the man behind the bar for the jukebox, And the music takes me back to Tennessee. When they ask who's the fool in the corner, crying, I say that little ole wine drinker me. I say that little ole wine drinker me.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Hey Pallies, today's Dino-gram to ya is short and sweet....a little patter from our Dino-lovin' pallie David Lobosco at the stellar blog, THE GREAT ENTERTAINERS MEDIA ARCHIVE." Mr. Lobosco has done sorta a preview of comin' attractions for his readers.

Today's Dino-message announces that David is goin' to conduct a Dino-contest for his readers in honor of the 94th anniversary of our Dino's birth on June 7. The Dino-prize sounds quite quite the Dino-coolest...a "private copy" of Dino-songs from the Dino-show! Stay tuned to David's blog for more Dino-details. To goes to Lobosco's pad just click on the tag of this Dino-message.

ilovedinomartin is thrilled to see 'nother Dino-holic likes Mr. David Lobosco offerin' such support in honorin' the life, the times, the teachin's of our Dino. And, this here Dino-blog also wants to offer Dino-congratulations to David for reachin' the significant milestone of gettin' 10,000 readers for the past month!Keeps up the great work man...and, of course, likes keeps lovin' our Dino!

Friday, May 27, 2011

COMING SOON IN JUNE

I want to thank everyone for a great month for THE GREAT ENTERTAINERS MEDIA ARCHIVE. For this first time since this blog started last year, we have hit 10,000 readers! I want to thank everyone, and it makes me feel great that so many people are still interested in classic Hollywood.

Please keep your comments, suggestions, and requests coming! This blog is not possible without each and every one of you!

Here are some of the articles I am working on for the month of June:

-To honor what would have been singer Dean Martin's 94th birthday on June 7th, I will be sponsoring a Dean Martin contest for the month of June. I will post details of the contest soon, but the winner will receive a private copy of songs from the Dean Martin television show.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Hey pallies, from the pages of the New Orlean's pad "nola.com", the on-line presence of "The Times-Picayune," from the pen of Mr. Brian R. Friedman comes a cool cool Dino-mention of one of the many and assundery golf courses that our Dino played, the Lakewood Golf Club in Algiers.

Mostly sharin' this Dino-gram with ya 'cause the pallies at "The Times-Picayune" have been so so wise likes as to share an outstandin' pix of our beloved Dino and golf legend Mr. Arnold Palmer playin' themselves a round of puttin' the little ball in the round hole at the Lakewood. Takes a good look at our great man's great stance as he watches the action of his ball. Likes don't thinks that I have ever seen this particular Dino-pix before...but likes so loves to see our beloved Dino in action!

Congratulations to the Lakewood Golf Club on celebratin' 50 years and many thanks to Mr. Brian R. Friedman and the pallies at "The Times-Picayune" for liftin' up the name of our Dino as part of the great celebration. To read the whole prose, likes just clicks on the tag of this Dino-message pallies! Dino-lovin', DMP

During the ’70s and ’80s, the epicenter of golf in the region was Algiers’ Lakewood Country Club. All-time greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino and Seve Ballesteros — along with celebrities such as Dean Martin — are just a few of the big names to play Lakewood’s New Orleans Open, or one of its many charity tournaments.

Photo courtesy Lakewood Golf Club Arnold Palmer and Dean Martin are two of the many stars who golfed at Lakewood Country Club.

At the time, Lakewood had “the finest condition golf course they could play,” said Deen Hart, longtime member and wife of former club pro Jim Hart. “They loved to come here because the fairways were like a carpet, they enjoyed the people and the food, and everything was so convenient.”

“It wasn’t just the golf course. Sometimes it’s because of the people and the food and the way that they’re treated,” Jim Hart said. “You ask any of the players now that are on the senior tour and every one of them played here, and this was one of their favorite stops............"

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Hey pallies, his name is Mr. Mike Reece and he holds forth at his outstandin' country music blog pad, "The World-Famous Ultimate Twang Blog." Mr. Reece writes 'bout his early intro to the world of music by sayin', "Myself, my first exposure to music, came barely as a toddler, to the sounds of “Dean Martin’s Greatest Hits."

So likes today's Dino-commentator Mike first got turned on to our beloved Dino as a wee one, and his classic al-b-um review of "The Country Side Of Dean Martin,' proves that he has simply grown in his Dino-devotion over the years.

Reece does a simply stellar job of sharin' some of the great country tunes that our Dino recorded on a variety of his chart-toppin' al-b-ums. Likes I knew that our great man loved him some country music, but our Dino was such an outstandin' force in the field, that as Mike states..."So much did he (Dino) help promote the genre, that the CMA named him “Man Of The Year” in 1966. Likes how how cool is it that our Dino was honored by the Country Music Association as their man of the year!

I invites all you pallies to spend the time to enjoy each and every Dino-observation that Mr. Reece makes of our Dino's singin' of the "twang" sound. Each and every day, I gets more and more thrilled by the many and varied ways the delight of Dino is bein' shared all over the world wide web...and today's Dino-reflections my Mr. Mike Reece is truly truly a grand example of Dino-devotional literature.

ilovedinomartin sez our thanks to Mr. Mike Reece for exhibitin' his deep, pure, and true passion for our Dino by sharin' such an extensive and intensive Dino-review puttin' the accent on the ol' country Dino-sound. To view this in it's original format, just clicks on the tag of this Dino-message. Dino-loved, DMP

Classic Album Review-The Country Side Of Dean Martin

Greetings from Asheville, The Land Of The Sky. Here there’s always good music on the turntable, in the CD, or on the MP3. We’re going in a bit of a different direction, today, to look back at some of the legendary Dean Martin’s work, specifically with Country songs. Of course, when you think of Dino, you think of Martin And Lewis, The Rat Pack, hits like “Memories Are Made Of This” and “Everybody Loves Somebody”, not to mention his television show. But when you take a look at his 1960′s and early 1970′s albums on Reprise, one thing you’ll notice on many of them, is that there will be several Country songs included. While Dean, of course, was first and foremost, a Pop singer, he was a fan of Country music. In addition to the many songs he recorded, Country music stars such as Roger Miller, Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, Lynn Anderson, and Tom T. Hall made appearances on his show. So much did he help promote the genre, that the CMA named him “Man Of The Year” in 1966.

For this review, we’ll look at some selected cuts from a few of his albums of that period, including both “Greatest Hits” packages from 1968, “Gentle On My Mind” (1968), “Hits Again” (1966), “Somewhere There’s A Someone” (1966), “Houston” (1965), and “Happiness Is” (1967).

Starting with what is likely the first of his albums I ever heard (and we’re talking toddler-age), his “Greatest Hits, Volume 1”, which features two Country songs, “Remember Me (I’m The One Who Loves You)” the Stuart Hamblen hit, and Jimmy Dean’s first hit, “Bumming Around”. Both also appeared on his “Remember Me” album. Bright and brassy is an apt description of Dean’s version of “Remember Me”. Bouncier than the original, with full orchestration that was typical on his recordings. I actually like his version a bit better than the original, perhaps because it’s the first one I heard, but it’s always ranked high on my list of Martin faves. By comparison, “Bumming Around” is stripped down, arrangement-wise, but still with the full orchestra and chorus. It’s also done a bit slower and more relaxed than Jimmy Dean’s version, which I think, mixed with Dean’s smooth, easy vocal style, makes for a very effective track.

“Dean Martin Hits Again” includes Dean’s version of Hank Locklin’s “Send Me The Pillow You Dream On”. An intro that could be called stately or dramatic, with it’s brass section, it morphs into a nice, mid tempo ballad that I think is one of my favorite Dean Martin performances.

Dean covers Eddy Arnold’s classic “I’ll Hold You In My Heart”, starting it with a rather interesting string intro that immediately catches your attention. One great thing about most of Dean’s music of that era, is that despite full orchestration and backing vocals, they rarely, if ever, overpower his vocals; they rather provide a nice complement, such as on this track. It may not be Eddy Arnold, but it’s a darn good substitute for his version.

Perhaps the most interesting of all of Dean’s Country covers, is his take on Hank Williams’ “Wedding Bells”. Falling somewhere between mid and up tempo, it’s got a touch of drama in the arrangement, and it’s a track that actually, kind of leaps from the speakers at you. I’m liking this version very much.

Other than the title cut and and “That Old Clock On The Wall”, the “Somewhere There’s A Someone” album was made up from cuts that had appeared on his “Dean Tex Martin” and Dean Tex Martin Rides Again” albums of 1963. Included on this album is Dean’s take on yet another Eddy Arnold classic, “Anytime”. Dean’s style is similar to Eddy’s later stereo version, except for an echo that one wonders why they used it; the track really doesn’t need it. Nice beat on this version.

I think my favorite track on this disc is the Don Gibson classic “Blue Blue Day”. Dean’s version sounds relatively faithful to the original, just slightly less rocking. Great track, here.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the greatest Country song ever written is “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. The epitome of a powerful emotion being emitted by such simplicity. And it doesn’t matter who’s singing, Hank, Dean, B. J. Thomas, even Terry Bradshaw. As for Dean’s version, a beautiful rendition.

Dean also covers Hank’s “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)”. No one can touch the original; Hank Williams’ version is nothing short of amazing, the kind of record that chills the spine. That said, Dean gives a nice take on it.

There’s also George Morgan’s “Candy Kisses”. A track that is okay, but nothing special.

On side two, Dean covers two more of Eddy Arnold’s hits. “Bouquet Of Roses” is a solid version that has an arrangement (as do many of these tracks) that is not at all unlike The Nashville Sound of the day.

Pretty much all of the Eddy Arnold covers Dean does are at worst, decent, and I think that’s because they were similarly-styled vocalists, both had that smooth, easy style and to watch either one, they made it look so easy. It’s the same with “Just A Little Lovin’”, though I like Eddy’s version a little bit better.

When I bought this album, the track I was most interested to hear was “I Walk The Line”. No, it’s not Johnny Cash, but Dean’s version is still catchy. A bit surprising is how well the song melds with Dean’s vocal style. He pulled this one off much better than I thought he might.

For many of us, “Room Full Of Roses” is associated with Mickey Gilley, due to his big 1974 hit. However, in 1949, it was charting for both George Morgan and The Sons Of The Pioneers (with Ken Curtis of “Festus” fame, singing lead). Dean speeds the tempo over those two versions, slightly, and gives us a really great version of this classic.

Last on this album is a take on the Roy Drusky hit “Second Hand Rose”. Nothing fancy, here. Nice vocals, pleasant track.

“Happiness Is” is less on Country songs, but does include the Leon Payne written “You’ve Still Got A Place In My Heart”, which later would hit for both Con Hunley and George Jones. I love Dean’s version; it’s Country, it’s Pop, it’s Blues; a great mixture, and the organ makes the track, in my opinion.

I’m not as high on his version of “He’s (She’s) Got You”. It’s okay, but Patsy Cline’s version is so much better. Not even close.

My first taste of “Gentle On My Mind” (that I remember) wasn’t that of Glen Campbell, but rather Dean Martin. Ironically, because Capitol wouldn’t release Glen’s version in Great Britain, Dean’s version became a big hit, over there, while going largely unnoticed, here. Too bad, because it’s great. Perfect for his easy vocal style; this is one of those rare songs where I really can’t pick a favorite version; I love both versions; outstanding tracks.

The “Gentle On My Mind” album also includes decent versions of Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey”, and another Glen Campbell hit, “By The Time I Get To Phoenix”. Nothing to complain about, here.

Dean even covers Slim Whitman on this disc, singing his 1968 hit “Rainbows Are Back In Style”. Good music. Trailing only the title cut, though, has to be his version of Jim Reeves’ “That’s When I See The Blues (In Your Pretty Brown Eyes)”. Great version.

In addition to the previously discussed recordings of “Send Me The Pillow You Dream On” and “You’ve Still Got A Place In My Heart”, “Greatest Hits, Volume 2” also includes Dean’s take on the Robert Mitchum hit “Little Ole Wine Drinker, Me”. While Mitchum’s version was top ten in Country Music, Dean’s version cracked the Pop top forty and was a top five Adult Contemporary hit. I like both versions, though Dean’s obviously the better singer, and his version is just a bit more easy flowing, so to speak. This album also contains Dean’s version of the Roger Miller classic “King Of The Road”. First appearing on Dean’s “Remember Me” album, it’s a good thing that they didn’t key it any higher, he’d have been in trouble; in fact, in a spot or two, it sounds like he struggles a bit to hit the highest notes. Not a bad version, but Miller’s version is far superior. An interesting side note, they performed this song, together, on Martin’s TV show. The video has been, and may still be on Youtube.

The last album we’ll look at, today, is “Houston”. The title cut has never been a top forty Country hit for anyone, but it’s a strong Country-flavored song. And it’s one of my favorite Dean Martin songs. It just missed the Top twenty on the Pop side. Just simply a great, great record!

Dean’s version of the Jimmy Dean hit “The First Thing Every Morning” sounds not much different than Dean’s single. Okay, maybe Jimmy wasn’t as good of a pure vocalist as Dean, but when you listen to his later 1960′s recordings, he was able to hold his own, when it came to smooth, easy vocalizing.

Despite being written by Alex Zanetis, a man who penned many a Country hit, in 1965, most would have not considered “Snap Your Fingers” a Country song. In fact, the only hit version to that point, had been a Pop/R & B hit by Joe Henderson in 1962. It wouldn’t see the Country top forty until Dick Curless’ version in 1971, then later, Don Gibson and Ronnie Milsap. Dean’s version is that big, brassy, Vegas-styled number. Not bad, but not my favorite of Dean’s.

In 1962, Ernie Ashworth scored a top five Country hit with “Everybody But Me”, and Dean covers it, here. Again, more Vegas-styled, but it’s a great performance; one can almost picture Dean just easily snapping fingers, swaying along, as he sings the tune.

“Detour” is an interesting, yet fun track to listen to. Very 1960′s-sounding, lots of brass, but again, fun to listen to. In addition to Patti Page’s Pop version, Spade Cooley, Elton Britt, Wesley Tuttle, and Foy Willing all charted “Detour” on the Country charts in 1946.

The album’s final track and the last one we’ll cover in this writing is “You’re The Reason I’m In Love”. This song has an interesting history. Under it’s original title, it was the B-side of Sonny James’ “Young Love”, yet still became a top ten Country hit. Then, in 1972, under the title “That’s Why I Love You Like I Do”, it became James’ final number one hit for Capitol, before leaving for Columbia. Dean’s version is a swinging version that’s fun to listen to and a good way to end things, here.

Availability? All of these albums, except for “Greatest Hits, Volume 2”, are currently on the market as MP3 downloads (finally!). And all but both “Greatest Hits” albums are also available on CD as a double package with another Dean Martin album. As for used copies, they are pretty common, with prices anywhere from $1 to $25. I even saw one reel-to-reel copy of “Houston”.

Overall, Dean was a great vocal talent, and a fine showman, successful in almost all forms of entertainment. No question that his inclusion of so many Country songs on his albums, as well as having so many Country artists appear on his television show, helped increase the exposure and ultimately, the genre’s popularity to many more listeners around the world. No, he wasn’t a Country singer, but I think Country singers of the past forty years all owe him a debt of gratitude for helping increase this music’s reach and influence. Until our next review, we will continue our never-ending quest to save vinyl, one record at a time.

Hey pallies, likes the news of the Time-Life releases of the best of the Dino-show is startin' to spread like wild fire all over the web. Today's Dino-gram originates from the on-line pad of Toronto's "TheStar.com" where television columnist Mr. Rob Salem gives a knowin' nod to our Dino and the new availability of our great man's great show on DVD...indeed encouragin' his readers to go out and purchase the complete six disc Dino-package.

It is obvious from readin' Rob's patter that he is one sold-out to Dino kind of dude.'Specially loves the last line of his Dino-reflections are we used at the tag of today's Dino-gram....

"But Martin’s quintessential boozy coolness and his detached refusal to take any of it seriously keep the whole thing fresh and fun."

Indeed Salem is likes speakin' the Dino-truth. Unlike so many of the other variety shows on the little screen in those days goin' stale after the were shown, The Dean Martin Variety Show is as cool, hip, and ever randy as when the episodes first aired...and of course all the honor and glory goes to our Dino for makin' the Dino-show the timeless classic that it truly truly is.

Thanks to the pallies at "TheStar.com" and particularly writer Mr. Rob Salem for puttin' the accent on our Dino and spreadin' the Dino-message of cool in this way. Truly the world needs our Dino more then ever, and we need great columnists like Mr. Rob Salem who proudly, powerfully, passionately proclaim the wonders of our Dino! To view this in it's original format, just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-message. Dino-loved, DMP

EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY SOMETIME And from 1965 through 1974, the someone everybody loved was crooner Dean Martin, shamelessly ad-libbing, occasionally singing and chumming around with his celebrity friends every Thursday night at 10 on his old-school NBC variety hour, The Dean Martin Show.

After years of litigation over an earlier mail-order DVD collection, there is now an officially sanctioned, traditionally distributed release by Time-Life, hitting stores Tuesday and available in three collectible formats, single disc, two-disc and six-disc compilations.

I would highly recommend the full six-disc set, if only because it alone contains an excerpt from a 1968 episode in which a young Bob Newhart had Martin convulsed with laughter, barely able to get through a sketch based on Newhart’s classic toupee routine, with Martin as a department store returns clerk.

It was this sort of thing more than anything else that defined The Dean Martin Show, as it did its jovially laid-back host.

The thing is, Martin never wanted to do TV. He never wanted to do much of anything, really, except play golf (all of that signature drinking and skirt-chasing were really essentially just part of the act). In 1965, nonetheless, his career was peaking: it had been six years since his breakup with comedy partner Jerry Lewis, five since the Rat Pack heyday of the Sands Hotel and Ocean’s Eleven, four since he won rave reviews for his dramatic performance in Howard Hawks’ Rio Bravo, one since “Everybody Loves Somebody” (the TV show’s theme song) knocked The Beatles’ “Hard Day’s Night” out of the Billboard chart’s No. 1 slot, and mere months after he had filmed his first Matt Helm spy spoof.

But TV just seemed like too much work. The network nonetheless kept pressing and ultimately agreed to Martin’s deliberately outrageous salary demands and insistence on never having to rehearse.

The latter proved particularly significant, as it became clear that the secret of the singer’s TV appeal was his cavalier disregard for the scripted material in favour of salacious asides, deliberately botched cues, and pranks played on and by the crew.

Weekly TV variety does not date well, with its bare-bones production numbers and creaky comedy monologues. But Martin’s quintessential boozy coolness and his detached refusal to take any of it seriously keep the whole thing fresh and fun.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Hey pallies, likes today is a very very important day in Dino-history 'cause likes it was 37 years ago on this day that the last episode of the Dean Martin Variety Show aired in prime time on NBC. The show had a stellar run of 9-count'em-9 years on the peacock channel.

And, now 37 years to the day, the pallies at Time-Life are beginnin' to release classic moments from the Dino-show to all Dino-holics total Dino-delight! The word from the street is that today the one and two-disc versions of the Dino-show willin' be waitin' for us on the shelves of our DVD outlets. Those of us waitin' for the complete 6 DVDs set will have to wait for June 14 to roll 'round. Have no idear pallies why the difference in release dates 'cept perhaps those of us Dino-addicts that can't wait will be at least buyin' the one or two disc sets to tide us over for the real deal.

Likes I am truly truly hopin' that today's releases will just be the start of more and more Dino-sets bein' released by the folks at Time-Life...'cause all us Dino-philes just simply and purely can never ever gets 'nough of our beloved Dino!

Below is the Dino-teaser first released on youtube when the news broke of the Time-Life releases....just a wee bit of our amazin' Dino to whet all our Dino-appetites!Ain't it the coolest that the Time-Life folks chose the anniverary of the endin' date of our Dino's awesome show on NBC to mark the return of the Dino-show to the waitin' Dino-masses! Dino-loved, DMP

Hey pallies, likes here is so cool cool Dino-patter written in the wake of the supposed-to-be-released-tommorrow Time-Life Dino-discs from the Dino-show. Likes I sez 'supposed-to-be-released-tommorow' 'cause the pallies at Amazon a couple of weeks ago changed the release date to June 14th...makin' all of us Dino-holics goin' crazier and crazier as we hunger and thirst for these Dino-treasures.

Any who, in preparation for said releases, Miss Susan King, correspondent for the Los Angeles Times has written some outstandin' Dino-patter retellin' the often told Dino-tale of how our great man made such totally totally amazin'ly great demands of the peacock pallies at NBC and how the netwark bosses subcomed to each and every Dino-demand...and thus the Dino-show was birthed.

These Dino-reflections are pretty much standard Dino-fare for those of us who are totally sold our to our beloved Dino, but cool to see the life, times,and teachin' of our Dino again appear on the pages of the Los Angeles Times. This one Dino-thought did grab my attention and resonate with my Dino-perspective....

"'It was a cocktail party,' said Ron Simon, curator at the Paley Center for Media Study in New York." Truly, truly Mr. Ron Simon is right on the Dino-money with this thought.

Thanks to Miss Susan King, and the Los Angeles Times for helpin' others grow in their Dino-devotion. To read this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tagg of this here Dino-gram. Dino-loved, DMP

Classic Hollywood: Dean Martin does TV his way

The singer ended up hosting his musical-variety series only after trying to discourage NBC's overtures with a list of seemingly deal-killing demands. The ploy didn't work, but the long-running show did.

Dean Martin and Rosemary Clooney on "The Dean Martin Show" in May 1968. (Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times / May 23, 2011)

By Susan King, Los Angeles Times

May 23, 2011Dean Martin didn't have any interest in doing a weekly musical-variety series when NBC approached him in 1965.

"In those days you were either a movie star or a TV star," said his daughter Deana Martin, who is also a singer. "He came home one night and said, 'They are going to offer me a TV show. I don't want to go in every day and do a TV show.'"

Martin was a huge star at the time. Despite the "British Invasion" of such musical groups as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Martin's albums continued to land at the top of the charts. In fact, his 1964 recording of "Everybody Loves Somebody" knocked the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" out of the No. 1 spot. His engagements in Las Vegas were sellouts. Plus there was his flourishing movie career — Martin made several films with Rat Pack buddies Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford, such as 1960's "Ocean's 11" as well as such highly regarded movies as 1958's "The Young Lions" and 1960's "Bells Are Ringing."

But NBC didn't take no for an answer. "They called him again," his daughter recalled. "He said, 'They want to have a meeting with me.' He told all [of the family], 'When I go in tomorrow, I am going to ask them for a ridiculous amount of money so they will turn me down. I am going to tell them I don't want to rehearse, so I'm sure they will turn me down. And then I am going to tell them I only want to tape it on Sunday afternoons after 1. So for sure they won't go for it.'

"He came home that night and said, 'They went for it. So now I have to do it."'

So for nine seasons, he headlined "The Dean Martin Show" at 10 Thursday nights on the Peacock network (it was moved to Friday evenings its last season). An enjoyable, loosey-goosey romp — Martin, true to his word, didn't rehearse before the taping — the show featured Martin playing his drunken playboy persona to the hilt, singing tunes, performing in sketches and welcoming guests such as Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, Orson Welles, John Wayne and Peggy Lee.

"It was a cocktail party," said Ron Simon, curator at the Paley Center for Media Study in New York.

On Tuesday, three DVD sets of "The Best of the Dean Martin Variety Show" are being released. On June 7, a new Martin picture-book music collection, "Cool Then, Cool Now" will hit stores.

Though Sinatra and Davis tried their hands at weekly series, Martin was the only Rat Pack member to succeed. "Frank, I think, was too intense and passionate to do a weekly series," Simon said. "Sammy, I think, was so multifaceted and talented, you were never sure what talent you should focus on. They never came up with a persona for Sammy that would work week in and week out. Dean Martin was very comfortable with the persona."

The "Dino" character developed after he broke up with Jerry Lewis in 1956 following a 10-year partnership as the enormously popular music-comedy team of Martin and Lewis.

"Everybody needs a gimmick," said Deana Martin, who performed on her dad's series numerous times.

"When he started to redo his nightclub act, he started at the Sands Hotel, he had some writers helping him," Martin explained. "It was like Jack Benny who had the violin thing and made fun about being cheap. It was something identifiable with him. Dad was so handsome, very cool and debonair. They just thought, 'We will put a drink in his hand and a cigarette.' Every man wanted to be him, and every woman wanted to be with him."

But Martin, who died in 1995 at age 78, maybe played the role too well. His daughter is still shocked to this day that after her concerts, "I go out and talk to people and they come up and say, 'I adored your dad. I never missed a show. I can't believe he could do all of that and drink that much.' I said, 'What are you talking about?'"

The truth be told, Martin was swigging apple juice and not hard liquor in his glass when he performed. "He would be home for dinner every night," recalled his daughter. "He would come home and he and mom would have their one cocktail at the bar. They had their half-hour alone time. He was kind. He would get up early in the morning and play golf. He was so different from what everybody thought he was. There was no one who could do Dean Martin better than Dean Martin."

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Hello pals o' mine! Welcome to this week's Sunday Serenade! This time pals, I'm gonna play an old favorite of my Grandmother's, my Nana, the original Mrs. Stella G.

She was a very special lady to me. I remember her singin' this little number to me when I was just a wee one myself! Before I ever even heard the name, Dean Martin. This may very well have been my TRUE first introduction to our GREAT GREAT man!

It's been sung by many artists. A timeless classic. It 's definitely a tune that probably everyone on the planet has heard at one point in their life or nother'. One thin' is for SURE...NO one did it like our Dino! Love when he throws us the "wink".

I believe this was from a Judy Garland special with guest stars, Dean & the Frankie. The vid's sound quality may not be the best pals, so turn your puter' up ALL the way and enjoy Nana G's little serenade to each and everyone of us pallies!

With out further a due...I'm glad to present "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby!"

Danny G.

You must have been a beautiful babyYou must have been a wonderful childWhen you were only starting to go to kindergartenI bet you drove the other boys wild.And when it came to winning blue ribbomsI bet you showed the other kids how.I can see the judges' eyes as they handed you the prizeI bet you made the cutest bow.Oh, you must've been a beautiful baby'Cause baby look at you now.

Ah, you must have been a beautiful babyYou must have been a wonderful child.When you were only starting to go to kindergartenI bet you drove the little boys wild.And when it came to winning blue ribbomsI bet you showed the other kids how.I can see the judges' eyes as they slapped you with the prizeI bet you made the cutest bow.Oh, you must've been an adoreable baby'Cause baby look at you now.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Hey pallies, likes from the web sale site "Etsy" comes a really cool Dino-find that I woulda loves to own myself. It's a copy of a mag tagged "1,000 Jokes" from Winter 1954 that features our beloved Dino and the Kid. As you will note below...."This particular issue features a collection of comical pictures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis!"

Certainly does loves the really cool cover of Dino-art....and woulda loves to see all the pixs of Martin and Lewis inside! At $10 plus $5 shippin' in the USA the total cost is likes 7,500% of the original cover price of 20 cents back in '54! But, certainly our Dino is worthy of that and more!

Woulda be likes so interested to know if any of you pallies goes for this Dino-mag! To view this in it's original format, as usual, just click on the tagg of this Dino-message. Dino-sharin', DMP

1,000 Jokes Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Winter 1954 Issue

The 1000 Jokes Magazines are a classic staple of American Pop Culture, featuring may different mediums of humor. Comics, pranks, etc.

This particular issue features a collection of comical pictures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis!

This magazine is in great condition and all of the pages are still intact!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Hey pallies, likes welcome back for the last trio of Dino-teasers from the pallies at Time-Life, who are doin' their best to whet our Dino-appetite from the Best of the Dino-show Dino-discs.

We begin by watchin' our beloved Dino tryin' his best to keeps Miss Florence Henderson from leavin' his pad...man-o-man does our great man and Florence have themselves some fun with this...and be sure to check out our Dino's each and every move...and why he don't wanna let go of Henderson.

Then it's funny man Tim Conway dressed in crazy garb tryin' to keep our Dino from grabbin' the lovely medal merits...but, likes how you you keeps our lovin' Dino from lovin' on the lovlies?

And, finally it's Jonathan Winters tellin' our Dino 'bout gettin' some great pixs of some of his children bein' eaten by a bear....very strange indeed pallies, but Winters makes it funny as only Winter's dry humor can.

Sits back and enjoy the magic that only our Dino can create with his guest pallies! Dino-ever, DMP

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Hey pallies, likes here are a few more delightful vid teasers with our beloved Dino and his steller ensemble of guest stars.

Up first, our Dino is a court room judge where he declares that Officer Mr. Paul Lynde is the "buster" and Defendent Miss Debbie Reynolds is the "bustee."

Next we have our Dino and Mr. Gene Kelly gettin' barbered by the likes of Mr. Dom DeLuise and Mr. Nipsey Russell. Dom is all in favor of gettin' back to nature....purple mountains majesty and fruited planes. When our Dino wonders what's a fruited plane...watch for Gene's answer.

Today's last Dino-clip has Mr. Jack Benny surrounded by his own version of the Ding-a-lings. Checks out Benny's response when our great man asks Jack why he didn't wanna use our Dino's chicks.

Certainly some more fantastic fav moments of Dino-laughter from the great Dean Martin Variety Show. Checks back tomorrow for one more installment of Dino-fun as we await that glorious day when the new Time-Life Dino-discs gets release to Dino-holics everywhere! Dino-loved, DMP

Hey pallies, likes today's Dino-teasers from the Time-Life Dino-discs from the Dino-show likes puts the accent on laughin' likes for Dino-sure!

In the first clip we see our Dino and a very youthful Michael Landon doin'a sketch that we assume is a commercial 'bout a "shock proof cromic" wrist watch" but watch as indeed Michael gets shocked by our hammered Dino usin' a hammer!

Second up finds our Dino as a travelin' sales man seekin' refuge for the night with farmer Mr. Charles Nelson Reilly and his lovely daughter Miss Elke Summer. Watch as our Dino and Mr. David Janssen argue over who gets to spend the night with who.

Lastly, the third clip, believe it or not is Dino-less...but does feature Mr. Sammy Davis Jr. as the first Black astronaut gettin' his instructions from Mr. Andy Griffith...and listens to what part of the moon that the Sam man is bein' sent.

Likes you know pallies, in this ol' world that is so so full of hard times in so so many ways....we need our Dino's humor to likes see us through more then ever! Can't wait to gets my hands on the up-comin' Time-Life releases of the Dino-show! Dino-anticipatin', DMP

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Hey pallies, likes here we goes with some more Dino-magic from the soon-to-be released Dino-discs from the Dino-show via the pallies at Time-Life. Today's first Dino-teaser features our great man and that great lookin' and singin' singer, Miss Lainie Kazan. Our beloved Dino and Miss Lainie "Cuddle Up A Little Closer" musically as well as physically, and likes of course our Dino miss cues the lyrics and makes it so so much Dino-fun in the process.

Next up is our Dino doin' a sketch with Miss Florence Henderson and Mr. Tony Bennett...believe it our not pallies...likes no singin' between the three of 'em...but a fun skit of amorin' with a surprise twist at the endin'.

And, likes last but not least of this trio of Dino-delights is likes one of my all time personal fav moments from the Dino-vaults....our great man and Mr. George Gobel.Lonesome George with guitar in hand sings his randy version of "Tie Me Kangeroo Down, Boys"...featurin' special lyrics 'bout Mr. George's Cockatoo. These two talented guys likes have so so much fun together...and likes I loves to see our Dino try to stay serious as Mr. George cracks him up with the cocky lyrics.

Enjoys pallies...won't be too many now before we will be able to enjoys the complete versions of these stellar Dino-moments once the Time-Life Dino-discs arrive in the stores. Keeps lovin' our Dino pallies o'mine! Dino-holiclly, DMP

Monday, May 16, 2011

Hey pallies, Dino-mania is truly truly gonna be bustin' out all over the 'net as the days approacheth for release of Time-Life's releases of the Best of the Dino-show on DVDs. Just this past weekend as I was doin' a bit of Dino-searchin' for more info on dem comin' Dino-discs our Dino led me to a cache of promo Dino-vids on youtube.

There they were 15-count 'em-15 short Dino-segments created by the Time-Life pallies to whet all our Dino-appetites for the comin' Dino-releases. Each of the Dino-teasers begins with Dino's gals, the Golddiggers proclaimin' the Dino'truth...

"Don't touch your dial, keep it right where it's at.There's somethin' big comin' up on your screen.Just settle back and relax, because your gonna get ....a whole lot of singin'....a whole lot of laughin'....a whole lot of lovin' from Dean!"

And likes pallies that is exactly what is gonna be packed in each and every one of these Time-Life Dino-treasures.

Over the course of the next few, ilovedinomartin will be sharin' a few of these Dino-segments for all your Dino-viewin' Dino-pleasure.

Today's trio of teasers begins with a oh so brief sketch between our great man and the great singer/dancer Miss Juliet Prouse when in the midst of Miss Juliet teachin' our Dino a wee bit 'bout ballet our Dino makes funny 'bout his briefs!

The second clip needs no intro pallies 'cause likes it's that famous sketch between our Dino, Mr. Jimmy Stwart, and Mr. Orson Welles" gettin' their hair done in the beauty salon...truly truly one great Dino-classic.

Third on today's Dino-bill is 'nother great moment between our lovin' Dino and Mr. Phil Silvers...while our Dino sings serious 'bout lovin', Mr. Phil speaks of his affection for our Dino...and the embrace at the end is likes just to funny for words.

So pallies, sits back and enjoys gettin' teased by our Dino. Hats off to the very wise pallies at Time-Life for creatin' these Dino-moments to gets all Dino-holics so so psyched up 'bout the upcomin' Dino-show releases. Indeed Dino-mania is gonna breaks out pallies! Dino-'cited! DMP

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Hello again pals o mine! First off, let me apologize for missin' last weeks "Serenade". Due to technical difficulties beyond this Dino-holic's control, I was unable to email anythin' anywhere! I fought the puter' and the puter' won! Thankfully, Mrs. G saved me again! She got me back up n' runnin'!

This weeks bea u ti ful tune comes from an album titled "Out on the Town with the Rat Pack". It's called Via Veneto. Via in Italiano = street. This must be some great street in the heart of wonderful Rome for our great man to sing so so proudly!

Makes you wonder if Dean actually walked or drove this street during his lifetime with some lucky lady. Perhaps walkin' hand in hand...sippin' some chianti! Ahhh to be young and free...Gotta admit pallies, makes me yearn to visit "the Old Country" myself! "Mama mia, you'll never come home"!

OK pals, lets get lost in our great great man! Go pour a glass of your favorite crushed grape and let the croonin' take you to nother' place! Remember friends...always keep the vino and the Dino flowin'!

Via Veneto

Oh you'll never forget the Via Veneto in Rome, wonderful Rome.

That romantic street where strangers can meet in Rome, wonderful Rome.

If your devil may care it's the right thoroughfare to take a walk or a drive.

It's a positive cinch that a paisano's pinch will make you glad your alive!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Psyched pallies, 'cause likes this is the first "review" that I have found of the new Time-Life Dino-discs of our beloved Dino's awesome TV Show.

Perplexed pallies, 'cause the dude who scribed this, Mr. James Lileks, has certainly failed to put the accent on our Dino...likes how strange to begin the post with a pix of Joel Gray?

Pained pallies, 'cause Lileks failed to do proper Dino-study....such as not knowin' that our great man made Kents his brand of smokes...and that our Dino indeed did stop smokin' a few months before his passin'. Indeed pallies, this dude spent more time trackin' down which mags were used in that classic Dino-skit featurin' our Dino, Jimmy Stewart, and Orson Welles in the beauty parlor. Gotta admit, it's very very cool to learn these Dino-details, but certainly not at the expense of bein' so errant on important Dino-facts.

Today's Dino-gram comes from the extemely popular blog " The Bleat" where Mr. James Lileks, columnist for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune holds forth. Lileks reports that he got a review copy of the new Time-Like Dino-discs from a pallie at work and proceeds to show how truly little he truly knows 'bout our beloved Dino and our Dino's amazin' style as entertainer extraoridnare.

It's so so cool pallies to be able to share this first, of what I woulda expect to be many, reviews of the Dino-show discs. It's so so sad that this first report is by someone who definitely doesn't "get Martin."

Woulda likes loves to hear your thoughts on Mr. James Lileks' thoughts o'pallies of mine. To read this in it's original format, as usual, please clicks on the tag of this Dino-message. Dino-only, DMP

Ain’t that a hole in the boat

Hi there!

That’s Joel Grey. I watch a lot of stuff I don’t particularly enjoy – not to punish myself, but to learn. Everyone has their ideas about how things were, how they were better back then. Well. Time-Life has a new set of disks on this show:

You all remember De-Anne Martin. This ran for many years, and I have a dim collection of the later ones with the Golddiggers, Dean sitting on a stool with a drink and a smoke in Full Swank. Classy stuff. Carson you didn’t have to stay up late to see! It was the death-throes of the Greatest Generation culture, one of the last levees built to contain the rising water of the youth culture. When it was all over I think Dean just went home and played golf and drank and had lunch until one day he checked his watch, said “well, closing time,” and checked out. There’s a book I’ve been meaning to read for years, Nick Tosches’ bio – the description seems to confirm the sense that I get from watching him perform, that the surface was all there was. There was no Deep Dean. People expected to find there was another guy down there somewhere, but never found it. We expect artists to be Complicated; if not, they’re shallow. But maybe he was just a one-story house without a basement. Nothing a guy can do about that.

I got a review copy from a co-worker. Everything I’d read about the show seems right: Martin never rehearsed, treated it all as a lark, smoked constantly; everyone ambled and stumbled through the bits with cavalier nonchalance. To read some reviews of people who recall the show fondly, it was a Golden Age, real entertainment, “classic,” the sort of thing they just don’t make anymore.

That’s true. The variety format is dead. On the other hand, the stuff is terrible. The singing is fine, in that old belt-it-out style, but the humor is not . . . what’s the word, funny? That’ll do. The disk opens with a ’65 or ’66 monologue by ol’ Ski Nose:

He runs through his jokes without enthusiasm, playing to a tape-recorded crowd – the laugh track is tinny and obviously fake – and the jokes are an interminable parade of witless cliches in the old style, meaning, things that should be funny because they follow the commonly-accepted parameters of a joke. They’re mostly two-liners, constructed along lines from 20 years before, beaten to death in the afternoon shows of second-billing Vegas acts. Did you hear about the Person with a Particular Attribute? He suffered a rather expected, and apt, fate. Hahahahahha!

Watching TV of this era brings back early childhood, as you might imagine, but not because of the content. Over my head that went. No, it’s the look – the bright saturated look of the shows. Living color. I thought there’s be little to enjoy until I came across . . . Him.

Yes, it’s Orson. After some gruesome strained routines they cut to Orson on a dark stage:

He does a passage from “The Merchant of Venice,” straight, from memory. I’ll give the advocates of the good-old-days this much: the form of the variety show was so loose and capacious that they could take time out for a man delivering Shakespeare straight up, no chaser. He’s in a tux the whole show. Everyone’s in a tux. Everyone is dressed up, because this is how men of the world dress, right? It’s all a cocktail party, a piping stew of celebrity and wit and glamour.

I call your attention to this bit, with Dean, Jimmy Stewart, and Orson, getting their hair done in a beauty parlor. (You may have to hit reload to see the video; I don’t know why, but that’s what I have to do. Mysteries abound.)

They just outed Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter. Wow.

Earlier in the sketch, they’re talking about their magazines, and if you know the styles of the mags of the era, this one’s easy:

Look had that style, and the internet helped me pin it down to August, 1967.

Of course, they had to take the name off, lest it be seen as a commercial endorsement. Likewise the magazine Dean’s reading, although at one point he turns it sideways to show it has a centerfold. Well, now that we know the approximate date, perhaps we could zoom in on the picture . . .

See that stripe? Okay. Cross-reference with the wikipedia list of centerfolds for 1967, do an image search – oh, the things I do for history – and voila:

It’s Anne Randall, whose “data sheet” (sfw) listed the people she admired: “Ronald Reagan. He’s honest and the kind of man America needs in politics.”Now she’s a community activist at a retirement resort in Arizona, where she seems to have her hands full. Her website could stand an upgrade, but she seems to be doing good work

As for Martin after the show ended, wikipedia says:

A much-touted tour with Davis and Sinatra in 1988 sputtered. On one occasion, he infuriated Sinatra when he turned to him and muttered “Frank, what the hell are we doing up here?” Martin, who always responded best to a club audience, felt lost in the huge stadiums they were performing in (at Sinatra’s insistence), and he was not the least bit interested in drinking until dawn after their performances.

Don’t think he ever quit smoking, which makes his end a one-two punch: got lung cancer and died of emphysema. But he was 78, and from what I’ve read he was hit hard by his son’s death. You wonder if you’d told him when he was 77 he could have lived three more years if he’d never smoked; he might have looked down at the Pall Mall red, considered it, and said: “Sure. And for what?”

One of the gags in the show: the door. Dean would open the door, and there’d be a surprise guest. Supposedly they never told him who it was, so his reaction would be genuine. Can’t vouch for that – he seems surprised, but it seems to me that he was so good at faking it he didn’t know when he was faking it, and if he didn’t know, then maybe he wasn’t? It was all an act, every bit of it, but it was him.

Then there’s this.

I don’t have any particular love for the Rat Pack; they seemed like comic-book superheroes for men who’d been living square-john lives since they were 18, but the imagery of the era is something else, and you can’t dismiss their role in the playboy-cool male archetype of the time. Or our time: people talk cool, they don’t talk Kurt Cobain or the guy from Weezer or some other post-90s emo-wiener. It’s the guys with the easy grins and the hats and the cigarette and the drink and Angie Dickinson waiting in a room in the Sands. It’s the posture of disengagement, the casual entitlement to the good things and the appreciation of the same, the remnant sense of old-line manliness – which they watched evaporate with no regrets, because hell, they were still doing fine. Dean was fine. Looking good. And hammered.

—

A good day, with caveats. Worked at home, since Natalie had no school. Put up a lot on the blog – oh, criminey, forget to fix the link to PopCrush. Well. Add that to the list of things. After writing all day, a thick soupy nap, a workout while watching “The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes” – love the show, but the theme has a trumpet that feels like a dentist’s drill on a filling – then wrote the National Review column. Then this. Hope you enjoyed; I got a letter today telling me how pretty much everything I do sucks now, because I’m overextended and just going through the motions here on the site. I’d hate to think that’s true, because I’m not going through the motions, which means giving things my full attention means the result sucks, which is really depressing. I love this site; it’s my life’s work. There will be weak Bleats, but on balance week to week, I think the overall contribution to the amount of Stuff on the internet is worth it. But in case you feel the same, I thank you for sticking with it! See you around.

One more thing about the Dean Martin show, something that says so much about the era:

Friday, May 13, 2011

Hey pallies, likes a few ago I felt so so Dino-led to do a google search usin' the terms Dean Martin Zen and low and behold I came 'cross this very intriguin' Dino-mention from Canada, Vankleek Hill, Ontario to be exact. From that area's online news pad, "The Review" comes words from columnist Miss Louise Sproule 'bout hearin' the sounds of our Dino in her usually tranquil neighborhood.

Truth, be told, at the beginnin' of this prose, for what woulda seem some inane reason Sproule finds it unacceptable that some dude, in the process of changin' his auto's oil, chose to enjoys some Dino-tunes in the open air. While she doesn't want to offend all us Dino-devotees 'cause she sez, "(nothing personal against you Dino fans)," it is clear this lady just doesn't get the transformin' power of Dino! But, at least she is honest 'bout her feelin's.

But, upon the conclusion of the "Dean Martin outdoor concert," Miss Sproule concludes her thoughts with the much more kinder and gentler Dino-thoughts..."Everybody loves somebody sometime. Sing it, Dino!"

So, why share this column with a bunch of Dino-devotees? First to say YEA! to the oil-changin' dude who had the courage to share his Dino-pride boldly with all the pallies in his neighborhood. Second, to likes acknowledge that every so often we may rub up against someone who likes does not share our Dino-affection...and consider how we finds ways to respectful of 'em, even if we consider them to be way off base.And, thirdly, to truly trust in the transformin' power of our Dino...to let Dino do the work of changin' the hearts and minds of those who at first don't "get Martin."

After all even Miss Louise Sproule chose to end her thoughts find a Dino-quotation and the cheer, "Sing it, Dino!"

Thanks to our beloved Dino for steerin' me in the direction of this prose, and to the dude who has such such great taste as to play him some Dino while doin' some work, and to Miss Sproule for her honest reflections. To view this in it's original format, just clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram. Dino-loved, DMP

Please release me vs. let it be

Columnists

Dateline: April 27, 2011

Louise Sproule

lsproule@thereview.ca

Having packed up and vacated our cottage to temporary renters, I stood at the edge of the hill and looked out towards the lake breathing in the silence. We wouldn’t be back until some time in July. But I consoled myself with thoughts of my quiet Vankleek Hill home on a quiet street and my quiet back yard.

At times, we have even endured the dazed smiles of people as we explain that yes, we have a country escape from the hustle and bustle of Vankleek Hill. “But it is so quiet here already,” everyone says.

Most of the time, I have to agree.

But last Sunday, as the strains of Dean Martin overtook all of the homes in my neighbourhood and made being in my own back yard a misery (nothing personal against you Dino fans), I wondered at the oil-changing inspiration provided by Dean Martin as I viewed someone at work on a truck with the hood up. The music sure wasn’t inspiring me.

How bad was it? I actually welcomed the sound of the chain saw as another neighbour set to work to cut what appeared to be junk into smaller pieces.

It was then I considered the expediency of travelling to my own inward zen world where I could block out Dean Martin and maybe even Englebert Humperdinck, should he be next on the playlist (no offence to Humperdinck fans). Unfortunately, the door to my inward zen world was locked that day. Instead, I wondered how quickly I could carry large speakers outdoors and play some operatic arias at volumes that would melt truck metal.

Not very zen-like, you say?

Yes, there, inside me, boiled mankind’s intolerance for others. I took a deep breath. Why can’t we all just get along, I wondered.

It’s bad enough when your neighbours invade your personal space. Even here at work, our musical differences can generate major mood disturbances that sweep through the building, depending on who is controlling the music or the volume or both.

Which is why being the boss does have an up-side.

“Who put THAT on?” I can ask imperiously at any time while switching over to some Eastern sitar music. I pretend not to notice the winces of those with musical tastes less sophisticated than mine. But I know that evil forces are at work when I leave the building, for I often return to find that someone has turned off my music.

Last Saturday’s “Ploughman’s Musical Interlude” was an eclectic mix of music that probably held appeal for most of the audience most of the time. But as we moved from a youthful rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” made popular by the TV series called “Glee” to the old standard called, “The Wishing Well Ain’t Working” I realized again: we all have to get along, whether we are at home, at work, part of a volunteer group or when we have paid money to be entertained for a few hours.

It is the better part of wisdom to know when to push your point of view home as opposed to espousing a “live and let live” attitude.

Most of the time, we muddle through and even when we say the wrong thing or force an issue that we should have let go, we are usually forgiven if our heart was in the right place. Of course, after you have riled people up, it isn’t always the easiest task to get people to understand that in spite of what you said, you meant well. In the end, we all do have to tread the line between speaking our minds, holding forth with our opinions and having the respect for the opinions and the rights of others.

I am grateful to live in a lesser-populated area, realizing how the crush of people in the city would likely not bring out the best in me.

Eventually, the Dean Martin outdoor concert came to an end and even the chainsaw ran out of fuel.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Hey pallies, today's Dino-find 'gain points the way to provin' without a doubt that Dino-admiration is likes totally totally Dino-universal. Today's Dino-adulation isfrom the blog "The Man In The White Hat."

Likes who is this dude that shows so much affection for our great man? Well searchin' this dude's bio turns up that he is currently located in Dublin, Ireland, but his profile tells us many interestin' thin's 'bout this Dino-holic. Now likes normally, ilovedinomartin doesn't print a blogger's bio, but this White Hat dude seems to have mucho in common with our beloved Dino, so likes I thinks you will all enjoy readin' it....

Who is The Man in the White Hat?

"I am an IT professional who was formerly a casino manager, an electrician, a publican and a manager of an import department for one of the leading transport companies. I have travelled all over Europe from West to East and back again. I am English, speak English, look English and drink tea like an Englishman should. I have been married more than once, divorced more than once and I have had more than one beautiful girlfriend. I am known as a bit of a drinker, hopefully in the Dean Martin mode rather than the wino on the park bench. I plan to retire to Greece within the next 5 years so if anyone has an old stone house that they don't want let me know."

Likes trust all you Dino-philes to have found several similarities to our amazin' Dino. The patter below is pretty standard Dino-fare, but challenges all you pallies to findin' the glarin' error shared by Mr. White Hat dude.

Seems this guy does plan to share more of the Dino-story and do some editin' as well...so stay tuned for more from this Dino-holic! Does so love how White Hat blogger sez 'bout our beloved Dino..."The man oozed class and style." That simply and purely is the absolute Dino-truth. And, likes pallies, be sure to check out the Dino-vid WH has posted and the otehrs that one can ascess as Dino-well....likes total total Dino-pleasure!

Thanks to Mr. White Hat for spreadin' some Dino-happiness at his blog and helpin' others become Dino-addicted. To view this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-gram. Dino-loved, DMP

Dean Martin

I spent 30 years of my life wearing a bow tie and evening dress, no I wasn't the waiter at the local bistro or the bouncer at the disco. I was working in casinos, first as a croupier and later as a manager, but although I reckon on most evenings I looked quite smart there is only one person that can wear that get up and look like it was made just for him..

Yes, we all recognize Dean Martin as that man.

This Italian crooner who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, USA was loved by the women but was also the man every other man wanted to be. This immaculate man about town who would in later life hobnob with members of the senate and be able to call President Reagan one of his closest pals started off in a very different world.

At the age of 15 Dean became a prizefighter who went by the name of Kid Crochet (pronounced Crocket). After 12 bare-knuckle fights in which he won 11 and suffered a broken nose, a badly cut lip and broken knuckles he moved on to a more respectable career.

Yes, Dean became a croupier in an illegal casino.

Luckily for the world of music he also started singing in local joints and started making a name for himself.

The year was 1943 and he was now in his early 20's, he was booked to take over from another young singer at a New York nightclub. He bombed and the fact that he flopped so badly became a standing joke between these two singers, Dean and a certain Frank Sinatra had met for the first time.

The following year Dean was drafted into the army but discharged a year later as unfit and returned to his singing career. Rumours abound that he was helped with early bookings by his connections to the Mafia but if there is any truth in those rumours it does not reflect on his ability to sing a song and hold a tune.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Hey pals! Just thought I'd say "Hello" to all you nice people at the ol' ilovedinomartin blog. Don't have too much free time these days. Wee ones are gettin' bigger and really take up ALL my time!

I wanted to share some of my newest, very special additions to my Dean Martin collection. What REALLY made this Dino-holic beyond happy and gave me so so much joy was sort of a surprise from Mama G...my mom. I gave her a call while in the neighborhood last week and she tells me to stop by...she had some old albums that she figured I would want.

What she didn't say was that they were my pop's old vinyl recordins' of DEAN MARTIN!!! Man, what a treasure! I haven't seen or heard these records since I lived at home back in the 1980's. They were my very first introduction to the AMAZIN' voice of Mr Dean Martin!

Just seein' these gems really brought back some great great memories of my pop and my younger years. He would love listenin' to these records! He would act so funny! Singin' and dancin' around the kitchen! I loved to see him so happy! They really put him in a great mood!

That's probably where I learned about the power of Dean's music. The actual stimulation and joy it can bring to you! My pop unfortunatelty isn't around anymore. He passed away in 2003. But I really would love to share these incredible albums of his with all you pallies of mine. I know he would too!

There are some great great songs here folks. One of my fav's is the "Swingin" record. One great, hard to find tune on this one is "You can't love em' all". I can't find this song on itunes, which is where I download all my music these days. I WISH I HAD A RECORD PLAYER!!!

The covers alone are priceless! Loaded with cool cool pics and some present tense Dino-patter! Imagine the days when Dean was still releasin' new "albums" every now and then! I said it before pallies..."If I only knew then what I know now!" Mama mia!!!

I'm gonna include one of these album covers in this post. Too many for one blog, so I guess this gives me a great reason to do some more "At Home with Danny G's" in the near future! Checks out my little wee girl Stella! Makes me so so proud knowin' that these albums are goin' to bring happiness to a third generation of our family! I'm definitely gettin' a record player!!!

That's all for now pals. Talk soon. Stay strong and always remember to keep the vino and the Dino flowin'!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hey pallies, as all faithful readers of ilovedinomartin knows we tries oh so hard to stay a-politico..so likes don't takes today's Dino-message as anythin' more then sharin' 'nother so so cool way of liftin' up the life and times of our beloved Dino.

From the on-line presence of the Los Angeles Time's "Top Of The Ticket," from politico commentator Mr. Andrew Malcom comes news of David Letterman's jokin' 'bout the most amazin' Dino-treasure found in Bin Laden's compound..... "the complete collection of Dean Martin Roasts!"

How absolutely rad of famed late night host Letterman givin' our Dino such a wonderful nod. Think of the millions of pallies turnin' in to Letterman's show and seein' Dave makin' a funny 'bout our amazin' Dino. This droppin' of our Dino's name is sure to trigger intrigue by many late night viewers...and surely will bring lots more pallies into the Dino-fold.

Warm regards to Mr. Andrew Malcolm for sharin' this Dino-mention and includin' a stellar pix of our great man hostin' one of dem fabulous Dino-roasts. To view the whole column, just clicks on the tag of this Dino-message to goes there. And thanks as well to our own Danny G. for puttin' me on to this Dino-promotion Dino-loved, DMP

Top of the Ticket

Political commentary from Andrew Malcolm

Late-night's best: What else the SEALs found in Osama bin Laden's compound

As The Ticket's 63,000-plus Twitter followers here and 6,700 Facebook fans here know, we regularly share our daily picks of the late-night jokes of interest, usually before broadcast each night. Feel free to pass them on to friends using the Share buttons above. Normally, we publish these on Monday mornings.

Letterman: So in Bin Laden's compound the SEALs found medicine, old newspapers and, guess what, the complete collection of Dean Martin Roasts.

Monday, May 09, 2011

Hey pallies, likes I gotta 'fess up that basically I chose to share today's Dino-thoughts with ya mostly 'cause of the tag of the blog post....."Everyone Needs a Little Dean Martin in Their Life…."

Simply loves that Dino-thought, 'though of course I woulda ammend it a wee bit by sayin'..."....."Everyone Needs HUGE QUANITIES OF Dean Martin in Their Life…" Hahaha!

That great title comes from the fun titled blog "aupairwithcurlyhair" where blogger Lexie (missbrecke) holds forth on "My new life in Rome…the short version!" From readin' some other of her blog posts it is apparent that this young lady is Americano and has been in Rome a few short months servin' as a nanny for two young Roman boys.

From readin' this post it appears that Miss Lexie has been listenin' and watchin' MTV Italia which features the "top 50 Italian hit songs," which certainly musta include a ton of Dino-classics. Anyway, this youngen speaks of eatin' "fagioli e pasta" for dinner and how that brought her some sweet Dino-memories...as Miss Lexie sez,.....In the back of my mind I could hear Dean Martin singing softly,” when the stars make you drool just like pasta ”fazool”…that’s amore..”

ilovedinomartin sez our thanks to Miss Lexie Brecke for sharin' her Dino-passion in this way and helpin' others to celebrate the life and teachin' of our beloved Dino. We wishes Miss Lexie the best as you serves as au pair in Rome, and encourage her to keeps spreadin' the Dino-message wherever she can. To view this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tag of this Dino-post. Dino-loved, DMP

Everyone Needs a Little Dean Martin in Their Life…

Posted on April 25, 2011 by missbrecke

Dear MTV Italia,

I have become addicted to this channel. Sometimes it is some normal stupid shows from the States but I enjoy it most when it is the top 50 Italian hit songs. There is a little icon that says, “Italians do it better” in the corner of the screen. Makes me laugh. Ahhh Monday, bloody Monday. Everyone was off school and work so the house was full. I woke up not very hungry, for once, I will blame the popcorn from the night before. I didn’t even actually eat something until after 3 which is unusual for me. I lounged the entire day in and out of my room. I read, napped and watched MTV videos until it was dinner time around 8.

Dinner was fagioli e pasta. Beans and pasta. It was really, really, really good considering that it was once a “peasant” dish. It wasn’t like soup it was more of a thick texture like mexican beans with pasta! Sprinkled with a little fresh parmesan and a glass of wine; I was happy with what was served. Since I didn’t eat much all day I couldn’t eat as much as I normally can but still made sure that they knew that I enjoyed it. S thanked me since he told me that it was his creation. Even Tommaso required a round of applause for his papa. In the back of my mind I could hear Dean Martin singing softly,” when the stars make you drool just like pasta ”fazool”…that’s amore..”

The boys, so I heard, were very dramatic today and put on many plays and shows for their parents. I heard laughter, screaming, the piano and crying so it didn’t seem different from any other day. Perhaps I missed quite the performance this afternoon. I was in one of those moods where I didn’t feel like being social. I opened my window all the way and cuddled under my blanket and read my suspense crime novel that I have not been able to put down. Next thing I knew I was asleep and my room was getting dark. Either I was tired or my book just became a bore! I look outside and I can hear the quiet drops of rain. As cars and buses fly on the street I can hear puddles being interrupted and never settle before another car or bus runs through their center. I like the sounds of rain in this city. In fact, I think that I have come to appreciate anything that is quiet since living with two kids under the age of 8.